MYCHILD

IS MISSING

Internet Resources for Alabama

A Guide to Finding Your Missing Child Using the Technology at Your Fingertips

Documented and Prepared by Patty & Bob Begin

1

It is important to note, if you are using this as an e-book, all underlined words are links for websites. Emailing and accessing websites is much faster if you are using this booklet on disk or

online. All web & email addresses were valid addresses at time of printing.

2

Table of Contents

Foreword pg 4

Acknowledgements pg 5

Introduction pg 6

Causes and Warning Signs pg 7

Prevention pg 8

Before your Child Becomes Missing pg 9

The Goal is to BE PREPARED pg 10

The Situation: Your Child is Missing pg 11

Recommendations for an Area Search pg 15

The Effects pg 16

Police Departments of Alabama pg 17

Alabama Media pg 27

Shelters for Adolescents in Alabama pg 30

The Recovery pg 35

The Aftermath pg 36

3

Foreword

On January 23, 2003, our daughter (and another female patient) escaped from a locked psychiatric hospital. With help from police, family, friends, media, missing children organizations, and strangers we spent three long weeks distributing more than 15,000 flyers, and promoting media attention to “get their faces out there.” The hard work and dedication of so many brought a happy ending to our ordeal. It is our hope that no family ever needs to live the nightmare we endured. This is not the end however. We are currently living through the aftermath and taking notes as we go. Supports need to be put in place. That’s our next goal. This handbook is for the others that will someday unfortunately be walking the path we just left.

4

Acknowledgements

Finding our daughter and creating this booklet would not have been achievable without the help of so many individuals and organizations. We owe a debt of gratitude to so many, it is not possible to include every name. But those who stand out in the crowd are our families, who supported us throughout the ordeal; most especially Nikki and Joe, Chris and Lois, Maureen and Gil who drove hundreds of miles in the search.

Andrea Watson from Parents for Residential Reform, without whose help we would never have been able to generate the media attention, not to mention handling the barrage of media in the aftermath. Cheryl Nardelli logged hundreds of hours on the Internet; what a “surfer.” We thank Trooper Keith Pantazelos of the Massachusetts State Police for his dedication to the case and understanding of family commitment. The hundreds of people who helped distribute flyers.

Our thanks to those who prayed then and still pray today for our family. Our gratitude to the people we met along the way during our search. They showed us that there is so much goodness in people and that they really do care. We give thanks to God for you and for all those who touched our life during this most frightening three weeks.

But most especially we owe our thanks to the alert individual who did exactly what we wanted. She saw the flyer, recognized the missing girls, notified the police, and essentially saved the life of our child.

5

Introduction

There are four different situations under which missing children fall. They are lost, abducted, throwaways or have runaway. This book deals with runaways but some of its resources are applicable in all situations. One in seven children runaway; 75% are girls. The average age is 14-18 y/o, some as young as age ten.

The Biggest mistake that we as parents/ guardians can possibly make is to think for one second that, “this won’t happen to my family.” The second biggest mistake is to not be prepared for such a potential tragedy.

Most runaways are from ordinary, average middle class families. However, every family is at risk, no matter what monetary class you may fit into.

Once any child runs away, chances are they WILL fall victim to drug and alcohol abuse and exploitation. They fall victim to these life-threatening situations through the people they meet. Be very aware that there are people out there very willing to exploit and expose ANY child they feel or know is a runaway to drugs, alcohol, and sexual exploitation.

Because runaways need money to support new habits, the exploitation and prostitution option can easily overtake them. If the child is unfortunate enough to be recruited by a pimp it may not be possible for them to escape alive.

Some children will end up coming home on their own, but some do not and remain on the streets. Of these some do survive but tragically some are killed; others die from drugs, or disease. Be very aware there is a market for your child. Yes, it is unpleasant to think about, but there are many people just waiting for your child to “come to market.”

Special Note: Any child with special needs is at an increased risk of falling prey to these people and situations. They may not be

6

able to make sound safe choices about the people they meet or to safely control situations to which they are exposed.

Major Causes, Warning Signs

Causes or “Why Would My Child Run?”

• To avoid an emotional situation• To escape from an unpleasant or difficult time• To escape the loss of privileges• To be with people they “think” are supportive• To get away from problems they feel they can’t cope with• Feelings of being a burden on the family• Has peers that have run away• Wants to help a peer who wants to run

Note: This list is not complete. Many more issues from low self-esteem to abuse are some additional causes

Warning Signs

• A word of caution if your child has a network of unsupervised peers with access to drugs or antisocial tendencies. Know your child’s friends.

• Increase in irrational behavior, impulsivity, emotionally abusive, threatens to run.

• Take notice if any of your child’s peers have run away previously

• High sustained anxiety level

7

• Watch for radical changes in your child’s attitude, and peer groups• Threatens to runaway; this is no joke, take it very seriously

Prevention

• Never call your child names• Be honest. Do you understand what he/she is feeling? If not, ask

him/her to explain• It is important you understand your child, and okay if you don’t

agree• Keep the lines of communication open• Really listen to what your teen is saying• If you get overwhelmed during an argument tell your teen that

you need time to get yourself together• When your teen isn’t talking, ask him/her, “Do you feel you need

to tell me anything else?”• Even when your teen starts raising his/her voice, don’t raise

yours, and stay calm (This takes lots of practice and patience).• Never interrupt your teen when he/she is talking or trying to

explain his/her feelings (again, easier said than done).• Invest in a computer-monitoring program and tell your teen

he/she will be monitored for their safety.• Know who, what, where, and when. It’s not just for drugs. And

check out all the facts. Be vigilant in attaining this information, check in on them where ever they say they are

• Talk to all your teens peers and their parents• Know your child. Is he/she a leader or a follower

8

Before your Child Becomes Missing

Yes. Your Search starts BEFORE your child is missing!

• The following information helped us so much to expedite the creation of flyers in order to get our child’s face “out there.” A few things we had to learn as we went. A major slow up was getting copies of her school picture. Since it is copyrighted, an official camera store would not let us make copies of the picture. This is vital to a case of missing child. We were lucky that a friend worked at a store where they have a Photo Maker. We pled our case and they let us make the copies. We made eight copies, which is plenty. Had we known this would be a problem, we would have already had a scanned picture of her on our computer.• If you don’t have a computer, get one and learn how to use it now. Make sure your computer has Internet capability and make sure you know how to fax and send emails with an attachment.• Own a digital camera with the ability to view and print pictures from your computer. Know how to use it before you ever have an emergency. Take pictures of your child regularly, to have them on hand in the event of an emergency.• A computer scanner is handy, each year after you get your child’s school photo, scan it into your computer, and then delete last year’s picture. This is vital. Missing child organizations say the best photo to use is a school photo.• If you already have a computer and your child uses it to access the Internet, a monitoring program is absolutely vital. We use a program called Big Brother; it records ALL activity on your computer. Warn your child that you are monitoring the use of the

9

computer. Print out and save any disturbing actions in a locked file or safe, especially ALL phone numbers and addresses.

The Goal is to BE PREPARED

Have a recent photo of your child (preferably already on your computer) and prepare a missing persons flyer in .pdf format (cannot be altered and e-mail’s faster). Include height, weight, hair and eye color, clothes wearing when last seen, where last seen, any identifying features (glasses, braces, birthmarks, etc.)

Know all your child’s friends’ addresses phone numbers and screen names.

Know who, what, where, when and how. It isn’t only about drugs it’s about YOUR child and their safety.

Who are they with What are they doing exactly Where are they going When will they return home How can you get in touch with them at a moments notice Watch for changes in peer groups Know your child’s tendencies Enroll your child in the CHIP program. To learn more contact

the Safety Officer at your local police department or go to the following website: http://www.mychip.org. This is a program run by the Masons and it is free and helpful. This program is mostly for children who get lost, but it could also aid in identifying your child if the worst situation presented itself.

10

The Situation: Your Child is MissingFirst Contacts

State Police Barracks covering the town from where your child is missing

The detective unit of your town police. They can be very helpful. They can help sift through any papers, notes, or phone numbers your child may have left behind.

http://www.missingkids.org Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-690-FIND

http://www.operationlookout.org Operation Lookout –Missing children organization

The above contacts will instruct you on the next steps they will take. Your next step is to physically get your flyers out as fast as possible. As in advertising, you need to get your child’s face out to the public. The more flyers you distribute, the more your child’s face will be seen. All it takes is one flyer for your child to be spotted. But which flyer is it? Is it the one you haven’t yet printed? We contacted our church and friends and enlisted more than 100 people to flood a target area with the flyers.

Make a flyer in .pdf (cannot be altered) format. Your .pdf format flyer should be faxed or emailed to the above and the following organizations found throughout this booklet. Email to your friends and ask them to forward it. Include a cover letter explaining the seriousness of the situation, what you are requesting of them. Make sure you include the police contact person with their phone number. DO NOT put your own phone number on the flyer.

Contact the newspaper and television stations in your area. Enlist them to get your child’s face “out there” as much as possible. Call them every other day to continue their efforts.

http://search.officer.com/agencysearch/default.htm This is a search site for law enforcement agencies for the United States by state and also worldwide.

mailto:WebMaster@USE.SalvationArmy.Org

11

Salvation Army- Northeast Division (or whichever division area you want to cover). They can e-mail your flyer to all their locations and their email list server

Mass Transit Police, all area bus and train terminals. www.fourthekids.org Help for families of missing children www.kidzidz.com Child safety information Fax/ email all your friends and instruct them to forward it on to as

many people and businesses possible. Many companies will get involved making copies and putting flyers out on their own.

http://map.exxonstations.com/ (Be patient, takes time to load) If you have a friend with computer expertise set him or her to work from this site. With a few keystrokes, one can locate & e-mail Exxon & Mobil gas stations throughout the United States. Most of these gas stations have convenience stores; a prime location to post flyers. Attach a cover letter. Include dates, names, and police contacts for verification. Ask the location operator to keep an eye out for your child, post the flyer, or even better, show the flyer to their customers. The cover letter should come from the parents of the missing child with the flyer as an attachment. Do not give out your home number. Stress the gravity of the situation. All missing children cases are serious, whether they ran or were abducted. Once your child is “out there” the probability of abduction is high.

Commissioner of the Department of Education in target state(s). This is vital. They can forward your cover letter & flyer to every school superintendent in your target state. Have them send the letter with the flyer to the school principals to get to the teachers. Situation can be explained to students who may see your child. Kids often meet up with mainstream kids and form friendships.

Alabama Department of Education

Dr. Thomas R. BiceState Superintendent of Education

Address:50 North Ripley Street

P.O. Box 302101Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Phone: (334) 242-9700E-mail: tbice@alsde.edu

12

Target large chain stores & mall security. Call their human resources director for assistance. They will often forward your flyer to all their stores. Listed are some of the major shopping centers of Alabama.

Alabama Shopping Malls

Area  City  Mall 

Southern AL Mobile, AL Bel Air Mall 3299 Bel Air MallMobile, AL 36606251-478-1893

Northern AL Boaz, AL Boaz Plaza Center

214 S. McClesky StreetBoaz, AL 35957256-593-9255 / 800-405-2193

Northern AL Huntsville, AL Bridge Street Town Centre

340 The Bridge StreetHuntsville, AL 35806256-327-8400

Northern AL Decatur, AL Decatur Mall 1801 Beltline RoadDecatur, AL 35601256-350-0453

Southern AL Montgomery, AL Eastdale Mall 5501 Atlanta HighwayMontgomery, AL 36117334-277-7380

Northern AL Boaz, AL Factory Stores of America

200 Lackey StreetBoaz, AL 35957256-593-2930

Northern AL Gadsden, AL Gadsden Mall

1001 Rainbow Drive, Suite 51Gadsden, AL 35901256-547-0501

Northern AL Huntsville, AL Madison Square 5901 University driveHuntsville, AL 35806256-830-5407

Birmingham area Tuscaloosa, AL Midtown Village 1800 McFarland Blvd.Tuscaloosa, AL 35404205-342-1491

13

Northern AL Florence, AL Regency Square Mall

301 Cox Creek PkwyFlorence, AL 35630(256) 766-2176

Birmingham area Hoover, AL Riverchase Galleria 3000 Riverchase GalleriaHoover, AL 35244205-985-3020

Southern AL Selma, AL Selma Mall 1391 Highland AvenueSelma, AL 36701334-874-7112

Southern AL Foley, AL Tanger Outlet of Foley

2601 S McKenzie StFoley, AL 36535251-943-9303

Birmingham area Leeds, AL The Outlet Shops of Grand River

6200 Grand River Blvd EastLeeds, AL 35094205-699-3700

Southern AL Montgomery, AL The Shoppes at EastChase

7274 EastChase ParkwayMontgomery, AL 36117334-279-6046

Birmingham area Tuscaloosa, AL University Mall Tuscaloosa

1701 McFarland Boulevard EastTuscaloosa, AL 35404205-553-8414

Southern AL Auburn, AL Village Mall 1627-53 Opelika RoadAuburn, AL 36830334.821.8327

Birmingham area Fairfield, AL Western Hills Mall 7201 Aaron Aronov DriveFairfield, AL 35064205-923-2525

Southern AL Dothan, AL Wiregrass Commons Mall

900 Commons DriveDothan, AL 36303334-792-5999

14

Recommendations for an Area Search• Get a map of the area• Search the area, start at the last known location and post flyers in

stores• Expand your search in ever widening circles• Contact bordering States immediately i.e.… State police, etc.• Identify actions your child may take, such as

- Will they hitch hike - Color their hair- Do they favor certain stores- Anything that distinguishes your child

• Bring your flyer to as many copy stores as possible. Most will make multiple free copies in this instance.

• Malls are a very likely location where your child may be. It’s warm, dry, with lots of other teens. Email your flyer to the security office all malls in your target area• Locate all transportation services in the area to include taxi services, water shuttles, bus lines, train lines, etc Get e-mail address or fax number and send copy of flyer with letter.• Locate and retain all police e-mail addresses and fax numbers. This can be done through a search on computer. Very time consuming, but very important piece. Enlist friends.• Prepare a press release to be e-mailed to all TV networks• Locate all newspaper telephone numbers to their City Desk, or News Desk Depts.

15

• Locate all teen shelters in the area and ask for their fax numbers. Fax your flyer • Call all your friends to enlist their help in distributing flyers either by hand, e-mail, or fax

• Keep a pad of paper by every phone and with you at all times

The Effects

The sudden disappearance of any child for any reason is a loss with far ranging effects. It affects the entire family, immediate and extended. No one in the family is spared. But it does not end there. Your child’s peers, their families, teachers, etc. are all affected. The list goes on. The feelings can range from anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, guilt. You need support wherever you can find it; your church, friends, whatever works for you at the time. We can only tell you from our experience that your feelings can overtake you at any time. Sometimes the emotions will be manageable, other times they will be beyond control. Sleepless nights, loss of appetite, and other symptoms will compound the difficulty. You can only try as best you can to stay healthy and focused. Your child will need your support when they are recovered.

This is the hardest part. Not knowing what is happening to your child. There may be times when there are many leads, then periods where there are no leads for days (or even weeks). It is imperative to push the media for continued coverage to keep your child’s face in the public eye. Your child needs you to stay strong and to fight for their return.

16

Police Departments of Arizona

Town Phone Fax E-MailAbbeville* (334)585-2221Adamsville (205)674-5671Alabaster* (205)664-6800 crigney@alabasterpolice.orgAlbertville* (256)878-1212 abercrombie407@charter.netAlexander City (256)234-3421Aliceville (205)373-6631Altoona (205)589-2311 (205)589-6006Andalusia* (334)222-1155Anderson* (256)247-3617 (256)247-1176 karlamcgee777@yahoo.comAnniston (256)238-1800Arab* (256)586-8707Ardmore* (256)423-2146 (256)423-8182 ardmorepolicedepartment@yahoo

.comAriton* (334)762-2222 (334)762-2344 aritonchief@yahoo.comAshford* (334)899-5113 (334)899-9911Ashland (256)354-2122Ashville* (205)594-4152 (205)594-4292Athens* (256)233-8700 (256)233-8769Atmore (251)368-9141Attalla* (256)538-7837Auburn* (334)501-3100 (334)501-7286 webpubsfty@auburnalabama.orgAutaugaville (334)365-9335 (334)365-1926Bay Minette* (251)580-2559Bayou La Batre*

(251)824-2757 (251)824-2935

Berry (205)689-4562Bessemer (205)425-2411Bevill State* (205)648-3271 (205)648-7591

17

Bevill State Community College*

(205)387-0511 (205)387-5159

Birmingham* (205)254-2000Bishop State Campus*

(251)405-7062 (251)438-3249

Blountsville (205)429-3479 (205)429-4010BNSF Railway (205)320-3626 (205)320-3608Boaz* (256)593-6812 256-593-4154 police@cityofboaz.orgBrantley (334)527-3244Brent (205)926-4643Brewton (251)867-3212Bridgeport (256)495-2140Brundidge (334)735-3333Butler (205)459-3794Calera* (205)668-3505 slemley@calera.orgCamden (334)682-4603Camp Hill* (256)896-4148Carbon Hill (205)924-4411Carrollton (205)367-8711Castleberry (251)966-2200 (251)966-2823Cedar Bluff (256)779-6835Centre (256)927-3661Centreville (205)926-3129Chatom* (251)847-2117 (251)847-3176 chatompd@millry.netCherokee (256)359-4959Chickasaw* (251)452-6470Childersburg* (256)378-7593 administration@childersburg.orgCitronelle (251)866-5527Clanton* (205)755-2511Clayton (334)775-8011Clio (334)397-4402Collinsville* (256)524-2136 (256)524-2121Columbiana (205)669-5800Cordova* (205)483-7378 (205)483-9266 cordovapdcr2@aol.comCottonwood (334)691-2113 (334)691-3111Courtland* (256)637-2701 (256)637-2816 courtlandpd@bellsouth.netCreola* (251)675-8145 CreolaPoliceDepartment@usacop

s.comCrossville (256)528-7121Cullman* (256)734-1434 256-734-0821 kculpepper@cullmanpd.comDadeville* (256)825-6212 (256)825-9291 police@dadevillepd.orgDaleville (334)598-4442

18

Daphne* (251)621-9100Decatur* (256)353-2515 (256) 341-4605 edtaylor@decatur-al.govDemopolis* (334)289-3073 (334)289-9187 tommie.reese@demopolisal.govDora* (205)648-3211Dothan* (334)615-3000 (334)615-3609Double Springs

(205)489-5115

Douglas* (256)593-9549East Brewton (251)867-4864Eclectic (334)541-2148Elba (334)897-2555Elberta (251)986-5300Enterprise (334)347-1211Eufaula* (334)687-1200 (334)687-1205Eutaw (205)372-4334Evergreen* (251)578-1111 (251)578-5560Excel (251)765-2558Fairfield (205)786-4111 (205)783-6024Fairhope* (251)928-2385 (251) 990-0158Falkville (256)784-5237Fayette (205)932-5312Flomaton* (251)296-5811Florala (334)858-3245 (334)858-5368Florence* (256)760-6500Foley* (251)943-4431Fort Deposit (334)227-4331Fort Payne* (256)845-1414 (256)845-4445Frisco City (251)267-3113Fultondale (205)849-5456Fyffe (256)623-2222Gadsden* (256)549-4500Gardendale (205)631-8787Geneva (334)684-2777Georgiana* (334)376-2801Geraldine (256)659-2122Glencoe* (256)492-1424Goodwater (256)839-6321Gordo* (205)364-7111Grant (256)728-4233Graysville (205)674-5643Greensboro (334)624-3902Greenville* (334)382-7461Grove Hill* (251)275-3153

19

Guin (205)468-3363Gulf Shores* (251)968-2431Guntersville* (256)571-7571 (256)571-7570Haleyville (205)486-5201Hamilton* (205)921-7424Hanceville* (256)352-9811 (256)352-1203Harpersville (205)672-2490Hartford (334)588-2222Hartselle (256)773-6534Headland* (334)693-2222 1-334-693-5577 chief@headlandalabama.orgHeflin (256)463-2291 (256)463-8951Helena* (205)663-6499 Djones@cityofhelena.orgHenagar (256)657-3231Hokes Bluff (256)492-2414Hollywood (256)259-1295Homewood* (205)332-6204 205-877-8648Hoover (205)444-7700Hueytown (205)491-3523Huntsville* (256)427-7001Irondale* (205)956-5990Jackson* (251)246-4484Jacksonville* (256)435-6448 (256) 435-1075 jpdchief@cableone.netJacksonville State University*

(256)782-5050 (256)782-5286

Jasper (205)221-6790Jemison (205)688-4491Kennedy (205)695-7103Kimberly (205)647-5531Kinston (334)565-3114Lafayette (334)864-7243Lake View (205)477-1289 (205)477-1289Lanett* (334)644-2146 (334) 644-5214 lpd@lanettpd.orgLeeds (205)699-2581Leighton (256)446-8479 (256)446-8493Lexington* (256)229-5564Lincoln (205)763-7777Linden (334)295-8697Lineville* (256)396-2633 (256)396-0643Littleville (256)332-3474Livingston (205)652-9525Lockhart* (334)858-3355 (334)858-2626Louisville (334)266-5210 (334)266-5630

20

Luverne (334)335-3334Madison* (256)772-5689 (256) 461-

1633Maplesville* (334)366-4211Margaret* (205)629-5501Marion (334)683-9071 (334)683-4326Mentone* 256-899-2212 (256)634-4444Midfield (205)923-7575Midland City (334)983-3591Millbrook (334)285-5603Millport (205)662-4228Millry* (251)846-2508 (251)846-3211Mobile* (251)208-7211Monroeville (251)575-3246Montevallo* (205)665-2555 (205)665-9211 jlittleton@cityofmontevallo.comMontgomery (334)241-2810 (334)241-2288Moody (205)640-5121Morris (205)647-0596Moulton (256)974-3961Moundville (205)371-2218Mount Vernon (251)829-6631Mountain Brook

(205)879-0486

Muscle Shoals*

(256)383-6746 (256) 314-1443

Myrtlewood* (334)295-4191Napier Field* (334)983-3548 (334)983-3548New Brockton*

(334)894-5559 (334)894-5686

New Hope (256)723-2616 chief@newhopepd.orgNew Site (256)234-2049 (234)234-2887Newton (334)299-3777 (334)896-4060North Courtland*

(256)637-8452 (256)341-0212

Northport (205)339-6600 (205)333-3007Oakman (205)622-3200 (205)622-2828Odenville (205)629-3333Ohatchee (256)892-3156 (256) 892-

3233Oneonta (205) 625-4351 (205) 625-

4392Opelika (334)705-5200 (334) 749-

4831

21

Opp (334)493-4511 opp.pd@oppcatv.comOrange Beach* (251)981-9777Oxford (256)831-3121Ozark* (334)445-6321 (334)774-5641Parrish* (205)686-9991 205-686-9928Pelham* (205)620-6550 (205)620-6549 police@pelhamonline.comPell City* (205)884-3334 (205)814-9079Pennington (205)654-2526Phenix City* (334)298-0611 (334)291-0192Phil Campbell*

(205)993-5313 (205)993-4874

Piedmont (256)447-9091Pine Hill* (334)963-4351 (334)963-4352Prattville (334)361-3671Priceville* (256)355-5476 (256)584-0341Prichard* (251)452-2211 (251) 452-

3707Ragland (205)472-2151Rainbow City (256)442-2511 police@rbcalabama.comRainsville (256)638-2157 256-638-7969Red Bay* (256)356-4455 (256)356-3111 redbaypd@yahoo.comRed Level (334)427-4911 334-469-9091Reform (205)375-6363 reformpolice@nctv.comRiverside* (205)338-7692 (205)338-9225Roanoke (334)863-2121 334-863-7780 rpd@roanokealabama.orgRobertsdale (251)947-2222 251-947-2228Rogersville* (256)247-8863Russellville* (256)332-2230 (256)332-8718Samson (334)898-7118 334-898-2990Saraland* (251)675-5331Sardis City (256)593-6492 (256)593-6258 dgamblin@hotmail.comSatsuma (251)675-0151Scottsboro* (256)574-3333 (256)574-4339 rdawespd@scottsboro.orgSection (256)228-4210 (256) 228-

7019Selma* (334)874-2120 (334)874-1216 wriley@selma-al.gov Sheffield* (256)383-1771 (256)314-6002Sipsey* (205)648-8754 205-648-4127Slocomb (334)886-3333 334-886-3695Snead (205)466-5900 (205)466-5930Southside (256)442-2255 256-442-9779Spanish Fort* (251)626-4914 251.626.0582 chiefedgar@

cityofspanishfort.com

22

Springville (205)467-6133 (205)467-6136Stevenson (256)437-3005 256-437-3017Sulligent (205)698-9111 205-698-8821Sumiton* (205)648-3261 (205)648-0173Sylacauga* (256)401-2442Sylvania* (256)638-2604Talladega* (256)362-4162Tallassee* (334)283-6586Tarrant* (205)849-2811 205-849-2807Thomaston* (334)627-3434 (334)627-3650Thomasville* (334)636-5827 (334)636-5893 mstuckey@thomasvilleal.comThorsby* (205)646-3555Town Creek (256)685-3200 (256)685-9777Town of Bon Air*

(256)378-7335

Triana* (256)772-0152 (256)774-7417Trinity (256)355-1326Troy* (334)566-0500 (334)566-2469Trussville* (205)655-2101 (205)661-9915Tuscaloosa (205)349-2121 (205)349-0174Tuscumbia* (256)383-3121 (256)386-5647Tuskegee* (334)727-0200Tuskegee University*

(334)727-8757

UAB* (205)934-2297Union Springs (334)738-3131 334-738-5068Uniontown (334)628-4021University of North Alabama*

(256)765-4357

University of South Alabama*

(251)460-6611

Valley* (334)756-5200 (334)756-5206Valley Head* (256)635-6814 (256)635-0964Vance* (205)553-9917 (205)553-9913Vernon* (205)695-7022 dcalleros@covpd.orgVestavia Hills* (205)823-1153 205-978-0207 jhardin@ci.vestaviahills.al.usVincent (205)672-2261 205-672-7662Wadley* (256)395-2261 (256) 395-

4411Warrior (205)647-0521 205-647-4508Weaver (256)820-0530 256-820-7325 police@weaver-alabama.org

23

Wedowee (256)357-2121 256-357-0202West Blocton (205)938-7782 (205)938-7782Wetumpka (334)567-5321 (334)567-1322Wilsonville (205)669-6180Winfield (205)487-4333York (205)392-5261

Alabama Sheriffs' OfficesCounty Phone Fax E-Mail

Autauga Co* (334)361-2500Baldwin Co* (251)937-0202Barbour Co (334)775-1128Bibb Co (205)926-4683Blount Co (205)625-4127Bullock Co (334)738-2670Butler Co (334)382-6521Calhoun Co* (256)237-4731 sheriff@calcoso.orgChambers Co (334)864-9862Cherokee Co (256)927-3629Chilton Co* (205)755-4698 205-280-7245Choctaw Co (205)459-2166Clarke Co* (251)275-8132Clay Co* (256)354-2176 (256)354-7713 rbickerstaff@clayso.net

Cleburne Co (256)463-2277Coffee Co (334)894-5535Colbert Co (256)383-0741Conecuh Co* (251)578-1260Coosa Co (256)377-4922Covington Co (334)428-2640Crenshaw Co (334)335-6568Cullman Co (256)734-0342Dale Co (334)774-2335Dallas Co (334)874-2530DeKalb Co* (256)845-3801 (256)845-8564Elmore Co* (334)567-5546Escambia Co* (251)867-0304

24

Etowah Co* (256)546-2825Fayette Co (205)932-3205Franklin Co (256)332-8811Geneva Co (334)684-2333Greene Co (205)372-3242Hale Co (334)624-3081Henry Co (334)585-3131Houston Co* (334)677-4888Jackson Co (256)574-2610 (256)574-

5317Jefferson Co* (205)325-5700Lamar Co (205)695-7470Lauderdale Co (256)760-5757Lawrence Co* (256)974-9291 (256)974-2528

Lee Co* (334)749-5651Limestone Co* (256)232-0111 (256)233-6473Lowndes Co (334)548-2151 (334)548-

2621Macon Co (334)724-2544Madison Co (256)532-3417Marengo Co (334)295-4208 (334)295-

2226Marion Co (205)921-7433Marshall Co (256)582-2034Mobile Co* (251)574-2423Monroe Co (251)575-2963Montgomery Co (334)832-4980Morgan Co* (256)301-1174 (256)351-

4822Perry Co (334)683-6534Pickens Co (205)367-2000Pike Co (334)566-4347Randolph Co (256)357-4545Russell Co* (334)298-6535Saint Clair Co (205)594-2140Shelby Co* (205)669-4181 (205)669-3865Sumter Co (205)652-7984Talladega Co* (256)362-2748Tallapoosa Co (256)825-4264Tuscaloosa Co (205)752-0616Walker Co* (205)302-6464 (205)302-6101Washington Co (251)847-2202

25

Wilcox Co (334)682-9115 (334)682-9425Winston Co* (205)489-2115 (205)489-3090

Alabama State Patrol

Highway PatrolHighway Patrol OfficesFor a complete list of Highway Patrol offices and contact information please visit the Highway Patrol Office page.

Division Chief: (334) 242-4393Administrative Assistant: (334) 353-1701Career Development/Training: (334) 353-9194Traffic Homicide Coordinator: (334) 242-4121Operations Officer: (334) 353-1963Divisions Program Coordinator: (334) 353-9194

State Trooper Posts:Alexander City: (256) 329-5205Birmingham: (205) 322-4691Decatur: (256) 353-0631Dothan: (334) 983-4587Eufaula: (334) 687-2054 (Field Office)Evergreen: (251) 578-1315Gadsden: (256) 546-6385 (Field Office)Grove Hill: (251) 275-3240 (Field Office)Hamilton: (205) 921-3121Huntsville: (256) 518-9573Jacksonville: (256) 435-3521Mobile: (251) 660-2300Montgomery: (334) 242-4128

26

Opelika: (334) 745-4651Selma: (334) 874-8234Tuscaloosa: (205) 553-5531

Alabama MediaAlabama TV stations

City Station Phone E-MailBirmingham

- WBRCChannel 6 -

Fox(205) 322-6666

Birmingham: - WVTM-TV

Channel 13 - NBC

(205) 933-1313

Birmingham - WIAT

Channel 42 - CBS

(205) 322-4200

ReportIt@wiat.com

Birmingham - WVTM

Channel 13 - NBC

(205) 558-7311

newstips@alabamas13.com

Dothan - WTVY

Channel 4 - CBS

334-712-7450

Huntsville - WAAY

Channel 31 - ABC

256-533-3131 newsroom@waaytv.com

Huntsville - WAFF

Channel 48 - NBC

(256) 533-6397

news@waff.com

Huntsville - WHNT

Channel 19 - CBS

(256) 533-1919

Huntsville - WZDX

Channel 54 - Fox

256-533-5454

Mobile - WKRG

Channel 5 - CBS

251.479.5555 news5@wkrg.com

Mobile - WPMI

Channel 15 - NBC

Montgomery - WAKA

Channel 8 - CBS

(334) 270-9252 news@waka.com  

27

Montgomery - WCOV

Channel 20 - Fox

334-288-7020

Montgomery - WSFA

Channel 12 - NBC

(334) 288-1212

Highest Circulation Alabama Newspapers

Paper Phone E-mailAnniston Star,

The

256-236-1551 news@annistonstar.com

Birmingham

News

800.283.4001

Brewton

Standard, The

Centre:Cherokee

County Herald

256-927-5037 tdean@cherokeeherald.com

Shelby County

Reporter

205-669-3131

Cullman Times,

The

256-734-2131 editor@cullmantimes.com

Decatur Daily 256.340.2433 news@decaturdaily.com

28

Florence

TimesDaily

256-740-4725

Fort Payne Times

Journal

256-845-2550 news@times-journal.com

Gadsden Times 256-399-9742 news@gadsdentimes.com

Hartselle

Enquirer

256-773-6566

The Huntsville

Times

800.239.5271

Jacksonville

News

256-236-1551

Jasper:Daily

Mountain Eagle

205-221-2840

Daily Sentinel,

The

256-259-1020

Tuscaloosa News (205) 345-0505

29

Alabama Homeless Shelters

Runaway/Youth Shelters

ALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES - BIRMINGHAM OFFICE2681 Rocky Ridge Lane Birmingham, AL 35216(205) 945-0037 Service/Intake and Administration(205) 945-0031 FAXhttp://www.alabamachild.orginfo@abchome.orgview mapJefferson County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES - DECATUR OFFICE1404 16th Avenue SE Decatur, AL 35601(256) 355-6893 Service/Intakeview mapMorgan County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESMORGAN COUNTY SYSTEM OF SERVICES2531 Hwy 20 W Decatur, AL 35603(256) 350-8434 Administrative(256) 350-8534 FAXhttp://www.morgancountysos.com

30

view mapMorgan County click for more info on MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESMORGAN COUNTY SYSTEM OF SERVICESTHE HANDS HOME1611 Church Street Decatur, AL 35601(256) 350-8434 ext. 202 Administrative(256) 584-0380 24/7view mapMorgan County click for more info on CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES - DOTHAN OFFICE1302 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, AL 36301(334) 677-7856 Service/Intakeview mapHouston County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESTHIRTEENTH PLACE409 South 12th Street Gadsden, AL 35901(256) 547-9505 Crisis Line(888) 547-9505 Hotline(256) 547-8971 Administrativeview mapEtowah County click for more info on HOMELESS SERVICESTENNESSEE VALLEY FAMILY SERVICES112 Collins Drive Guntersville, AL 35976(256) 582-0377   Corporate office(256) 582-1042   The Attention Home Residential Shelter(256) 582-0843http://www.tvfsahome.nettvfspr@hiwaay.netview mapMarshall County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESCHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY181 West Valley Avenue, Suite 300 Homewood, AL 35209(205) 251-7148 Service/Intake and Administration(205) 252-3828 FAX

31

http://www.childrensaid.orgcas@childrensaid.orgview mapJefferson County click for more info on HOMELESS SERVICESPROJECT INDEPENDENCE PROGRAMTHE STUDIO1001 Oakwood Avenue Huntsville, AL 35803(256) 489-8088 Administrativeview mapMadison County click for more info on HOMELESS SERVICESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES - MOBILE OFFICE6512 Grelot Road Mobile, AL 36695(251) 639-1022 Service/Intakeview mapMobile County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESUNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME3140 Zelda Court Montgomery, AL 36106(334) 875-7283(334) 875-5161 Fax(334) 875-7283   Office Ext. 223http://www.umch.netinfo@umch.netview mapMontgomery County click for more info on SERVICESUNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOMEALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIESALABAMA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES - OXFORD OFFICE1210 Friendship Road Oxford, AL 36203(256) 831-4081 Service/Intakeview mapCalhoun County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESQUINN'S RANCH

32

205 GumCreek Lane Red Bay, AL 35582(256) 356-8900 Main Phonehttp://www.quinnsranch.orgqranch@hiwaay.netview mapFranklin County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESBALDWIN YOUTH SERVICES INTERVENTION CENTERBALDWIN YOUTH SERVICESConfidential Address Robertsdale, AL 36567(251) 947-5149 Service/Intakebaldwinyouthservices@yahoo.comBaldwin County click for more info on YOUTH SERVICESINTERVENTION CENTERFAMILY CONNECTIONPO Box 535 Saginaw, AL 35137(205) 663-6301 Service/Intake and Administration(205) 663-6371 FAXhttp://www.familyconnection-inc.orgsusan@familyconnection-inc.orgview mapShelby County click for more info on HOMELESS SERVICESTEARS, INCBRIDGES GIRLS SHELTER206 E. Oak Street Tuskegee, AL 36083(334) 226-1255 Service/Intake(334) 727-1643 FAXhttp://www.tearsinc.orgview map

33

Alabama Transit Links

Transit Phone AddressBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority

205.521.0161 1735 Morris AveBirmingham, Alabama 35203

Clemson Area Transit

864-654-2287

CrimsonRide (205) 348-7433 crimsonride@bama.ua.eduHuntsville Shuttle 256-427-6811

34

BusMontgomery Area Transit System

(334) 262-7356 pjackson@MontgomeryTransit.com

The Wave Transit System

(251) 208-7999

Tuscaloosa Transit Authority

205-343-2300 mtaylor@Tuscaloosa.com

The Recovery

We all hope for a successful recovery. Sometimes this will happen other times sadly it won’t. When you finally recover your child it is so important that you show them love, and concern for their well being, not anger, fear, or hatred. If you show any negative emotions it can cause your child to feel as though they are unwanted, unloved, and worthless.

You will be flooded with a wide range of emotions, but it is essential to remember that your child has been traumatized and needs you to show them love support and compassion.

It is imperative to get your child medical attention as soon as possible after the recovery. Do not wait days take them directly to the hospital for a thorough physical and evaluation.

During the evaluation it is important to bring them a change of clothes. Place the clothes (including under clothes) your child was last wearing in a paper bag (not plastic). The police may need them to recover evidence.

35

The Aftermath

The entire family needs to process their experience to start the healing process and rebuild the family. Be prepared for any horrors your child may have been through and be supportive. Therapy; both individual and family, is probably the best advice that we can offer. We can only hope that this will help others heal after their ordeal; maybe not with words of wisdom, but with guidance towards a direction for healing. Therapy is vital for your child to process feelings and experiences that they had during their episode, and to allow them to see the truth about what has taken place.

It’s so important to remember your child may not be forthcoming with information. It may take years of intensive therapy to come to terms with what they went through. The trick, on your part, is patience. You may never know everything that took place.

Personally (Bob speaking), my greatest struggle is the guilt of not being able to prevent this from happening to my daughter and to my family. The visions that followed me every day during our search still creep into my mind. I am told my guilt is self-imposed. I still try to heal, and pray that someday my family’s life will return to normal.

36

Now, as I fight my personal battles to persevere, my duty as a dad is to care for my wife and daughter, and to keep this family together. I have one other duty as a member of the human race — to try to help other families by passing on the lessons we so harshly learned.

Never let a day go by without telling your child what they mean to you.

To My Daughter

You are life’s most precious gift,I see the promises of tomorrow

in the twinkle of your eyes.You are a gift to be loved.

You are the pride of my life,the joy of my heart.

You are my daughter!

37

38